Sharks Cast [Ep #10] ft. Environmental Psychologist Scientist, Dr Brianna Le Busque - How Media Sensationalism Can Affect the Perceived Risk of a Shark Bite

Environmental Psychology Scientist, Brianna Le Busque joined Anton for this fascinating discussion about the mental effects of long-term conditioning to shark related media stories. As Shark Watch explodes in media publicity broadcasting hundreds of photographically documented shark encounters in the state, the reception of such publicity has only raised concerns among the community, particularly amplifying the predisposition of vulnerability in many locals, as South Australia lacks in shark bite mitigation projects in comparison to other states. The question for Anton now is: How do we mitigate the uprising anxiety over busy summer periods in times when shark sighting reports are at their highest across the Shark Watch sites.

Brianna is a Lecturer at STEM. She has a PHD in Psychology with her PHD on sharks and the media. Her research primarily focusses on Biophilia (connection to nature) and Biophobia (fear of nature). She is an asset for helping Shark Watch push authentic and accurate shark reporting without exciting shark related anxieties and stressors.